MOXI vs. HALO vs. TRIBRID: Which Laser Is Right for Your Skin?

If you’ve looked into laser skin resurfacing in Metro Detroit, you’ve probably come across three names from Sciton: MOXI, HALO and HALO TRIBRID. Our med spa, Detroit Face & Body, offers all three at our Bingham Farms office. They work at different depths, treat different concerns and need different amounts of downtime.

Earlier this year we posted before-and-after results from all three on Instagram to show what happens when the treatment fits the skin. Below is how they differ, for patients in Birmingham, Bloomfield Hills and across Oakland County deciding where to start.

 

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A post shared by Dr. Hajjar & Dr. Lumley – Detroit Plastic Surgery & Med Spa (@detroitplasticsurgery_)

MOXI

MOXI is the lightest of the three. It uses one non-ablative 1927 nm wavelength, so it heats tiny columns of skin without removing the surface. Your skin repairs those spots and replaces dull, sun-damaged cells with new ones.

MOXI works well for:

• Early sun damage and brown spots
• Dullness and uneven tone
• Mild texture changes
• Maintaining results between more intensive treatments

Downtime is minimal. Expect some redness and tiny dark specks that flake away over three to five days. Most patients can wear makeup after 24 hours.

One session brightens skin, but a series of two to four usually gives the best result.

MOXI was designed for all skin types and can be done any time of year. Deeper skin tones aren’t always good candidates for more aggressive resurfacing lasers, so MOXI gives those patients a safe way to treat pigment and texture.

HALO

HALO was the first hybrid fractional laser, and it’s a step up in intensity from MOXI. It delivers two wavelengths in one pass. The 1470 nm wavelength is non-ablative and works deeper to stimulate new collagen. The 2940 nm wavelength is ablative and resurfaces the top layer to smooth texture and fine lines.

HALO works well for:

• Years of accumulated sun damage and age spots
• Fine lines and rough texture
• Enlarged pores
• Dull, uneven tone

Downtime runs a few days, depending on how aggressive the treatment is. After a light HALO you can usually wear makeup the next day. After a stronger one, skin looks lightly bronzed around day two or three, then peels by day three or four.

Most of the pigment improvement shows in the first two to three weeks. Collagen keeps rebuilding for months after that, so your skin continues to improve.

Your provider decides whether HALO suits your skin type, and at what settings, during your consultation.

HALO TRIBRID

HALO TRIBRID puts all three wavelengths (2940 nm, 1470 nm and 1927 nm) in a single handpiece, and your provider can fire them together or separately. One device can deliver a gentle MOXI-style treatment, a classic HALO, or all three at once to work on surface texture, deeper collagen and pigment in the same session.

HALO TRIBRID works well for:

• Several concerns at once, such as pigment, texture and fine lines together
• Acne scars
• Sun damage and pigmentation
• Large pores and uneven texture
• Mild skin laxity

Downtime depends on depth. A lighter treatment means a few days of redness, swelling or a sunburn-like feeling. A deeper one takes longer and includes visible peeling.

Some patients see a clear improvement after one session, and others do better with a series. Results keep building for weeks to months as new collagen forms.

How the three compare

How to choose

As a starting point:

• If you can’t take time off, want brighter skin, or have a deeper skin tone, MOXI is usually where to start.
• If you have visible sun damage or rough texture and can plan around a few days of peeling, HALO will make a more noticeable difference.
• If you’re dealing with several concerns at once, HALO TRIBRID lets us treat them together.

Your consultation settles the choice. We look at your skin type, history, goals and schedule, then set the depth and intensity for you. Some plans combine treatments: MOXI pairs well with our Forever Young BBL light treatments, for example.

Many patients start resurfacing in fall or winter, when there’s less sun exposure while skin heals. MOXI can be done any time of year.

To book a consultation, call Detroit Face & Body at (248) 208-8855 or request one online.

Frequently asked questions

Which laser has the least downtime?

MOXI. Most patients have mild redness and flaking for a few days and can wear makeup after 24 hours.

Can I have laser resurfacing if I have a darker skin tone?

Yes. MOXI was designed for all skin types. For HALO and HALO TRIBRID, your provider will assess your skin and adjust the settings, or suggest a different option if needed.

How many treatments will I need?

MOXI usually works best as a series of two to four. HALO and HALO TRIBRID can give a clear result in one session, though some patients benefit from more.

Does it hurt?

We apply a numbing cream first. Most patients feel warmth and some prickling.

When will I see results?

Skin looks brighter within days, once the treated layer flakes away. Texture and firmness keep improving for weeks to months as collagen rebuilds.

Does insurance cover laser resurfacing?

Generally no, because these are cosmetic treatments.